ABSTRACT
The completion of physical development by 30 June 1960 was recognized as a watershed in the history of the Scheme, dividing a period of construction from one of consolidation and organization. 1 Certainly it had some dramatic consequences. The M.O.W. team, with its senior staff of seven, its large labour force, and its heavy machinery, left the Scheme. The Management’s own staff was reduced by the departure of the Labour Officer, the Assistant Accountant, and two out of the previous five A.A.O.s. 2 The Management, freed from development problems arising out of M.O.W. activity and progressively released from the close attentions of the Administration, was able to concentrate its energies on the organization of the Scheme, the streamlining of its processes and the integration of its constituent parts. A major change of emphasis was recognized to be taking place. Efficiency within the Scheme was now all-important. In accord with this trend, the Manager suggested to the Local Committee that the title of the Scheme should be altered. Because of local antipathy to the word ‘scheme’, and also for the sake of brevity, it was agreed that the name should become the Mwea Irrigation Settlement.
